Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 feet, creating distinctly cooler summer temperatures than nearby Atlanta. The region receives approximately 60 inches of annual rainfall, contributing to the lush forest environment where campers often encounter morning fog rising from creek valleys. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping available.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access multiple waterfall trails directly from campsites at Raven Cliff Falls. "Raven Cliff Falls trail is a 2.5 miles hike that ends at a breathtaking waterfall, but the trail doesn't quite end there. Once you arrive at the falls there's plenty of room to roam the dozens of rock structures," notes Wayne H.
Paddle sports: Rent canoes and kayaks at Don Carter State Park Campground on Lake Lanier. "It was beautiful!!! Great campground, good access to bathhouse, where I charged my power bank and everything went amazing. Good weather, good price, it even has a laundry," reports Rodrigo D.
Fishing access: Fish directly from your campsite at Lake Winfield Scott Campground. "Great place to fish and relax," explains Michael K. The 18-acre mountain lake has excellent rainbow trout fishing opportunities, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
Trail connections: Combine day hikes with the Appalachian Trail at multiple access points. "Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area has a trail that connects to the AT so you may meet some hikers bound for Maine or may want to make it a stop on a longer AT hike," shares Anna R.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Secure sites alongside running water for natural white noise. At Desoto Falls, "the sites are packed with dense trees and a stream that turned every corner of the upper loop into a white noise machine fit for a sleepy, woodsy king," writes Phil K.
Clean facilities: Many Chattahoochee-Oconee campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean bathhouses. "The bathrooms were so clean and so nice! They are air conditioned with three stall and three showers," reports Sarah S. about Jenny's Creek Family Campground.
Privacy between sites: Find secluded camping at Trackrock Campground & Cabins. "Separated, serene lots... Nice and quiet site with bathrooms and showers nearby," notes Dallas F. The campground features wooded sites with significant natural barriers between camping areas.
Morning wildlife viewing: Watch for deer and other animals during early morning hours. "Do some animal watching or photography. From 6 in the evening and beyond you will find deer grazing in late summer and early fall," suggests Crystal C. about Don Carter State Park.
What you should know
Bear activity: Black bears frequent many campgrounds throughout the region. At Lake Winfield Scott Campground, campers should "keep in mind that this is bear country. Its always a good idea to keep food out of tents, in a bear proof container, and hung up at least 14 feet off the ground," advises John W.
Road noise: Some otherwise peaceful campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The proximity to the road was the only overall downside to the location of Desoto Falls. We spent Labor Day weekend there, and apparently that's the time every biker below the Mason-Dixon Line chooses to play out their Hunter Thompson Mint 400 fantasy," explains Phil K.
Cell service limitations: Many forest campgrounds lack reliable connectivity. "This park is pretty remote - we couldn't even get cell service from our campsite," notes Jeffrey S. about Lake Winfield Scott. Download maps and information before arrival.
Seasonal crowds: Fall foliage season brings significantly higher visitor numbers. Rachel H. mentions Lake Winfield Scott "usually pretty quiet, despite filling up pretty quickly in fall months."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Choose campsites where children can safely explore creek edges. At Amicalola Falls State Park Camping, "my teens loved it. They found all kinds of insects they had never seen even a Luna moth," shares Traci C.
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Jenny's Creek Family Campground "has a nice playground on site as well as air conditioned club house they provides a nice break from the heat," according to Sarah S.
Mobility-friendly options: Some trails accommodate strollers and children with mobility limitations. "The trail has some great views and different terrain from small creek crossings to some steep hills and valleys," explains DeWayne H. about Raven Cliff Falls.
Educational programs: Take advantage of ranger-led activities focused on wildlife. At Don Carter State Park, "we went to a ranger program on raptors on Saturday which was interesting," mentions Joel R., offering educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research specific site numbers before booking at dog friendly campgrounds in Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. "We have a 27' airstream and there are a couple campsites that are hard to get into. Number 18 does not look hard, but the layout is very difficult to get into," cautions Soren B. about Amicalola Falls State Park.
Road grades: Be prepared for steep access roads when traveling with larger rigs. "We kept hearing this phrase from people out on the trails, it's so worth it. Mildly tough trek, with stairs on the short path, but the end result is worth the struggle for the amateur hiker," explains Kristin R. about Desoto Falls Recreation Area.
Seasonal considerations: Plan RV visits during moderate weather to avoid excessive air conditioning needs. "This is a new park and tree coverage is a bit sparse for the time being. Once the canopy fills out, it will be shady," notes George & Patty C. about Don Carter State Park.
Hookup variations: Confirm utility availability as it varies across pet-friendly Chattahoochee forest campgrounds. "There is water and bathroom access. DO NOT CAMP ANYWHERE THAT ISNT AN ESTABLISHED CAMPGROUND, the ranger will come yell at you," warns Everette G. about Raven Cliff Falls.
